Autumn offers and news from our National Partners

Published 2023-03-15

Plan and book your Autumn Great Ride adventures with special deals, and other tempting offers from Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails' awesome national partners.

Egg-citing deals for Easter and exclusive upgrades!

Three world-famous scenic trains, two islands and one spegg-tacular fare. Book an Easter holiday trip with Great Journeys New Zealand and the kids travel for only $25 (Ts n Cs apply). Why not take the lower-carbon option to get to the Mountains to Sea Ngā Ara Tūhono Cycle Trail or Timber Trail on the Northern Explorer – now stopping at Taumarunui. Or head across the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine to connect with the West Coast Wilderness Trail, or cruise up from Christchurch on the Coastal Pacific to Picton and the Queen Charlotte Track. 

Find out more and book here.

Up to four bikes, including E-bikes, can now be taken on board. Places must be booked in advance and Ts n Cs apply; or you can, of course, hire a bike from one of the Great Rides' official partners – easy! 

 

TranzAlpine scenic train journey

Happy Easter holidays guaranteed with $25 kids fares (Great Journeys New Zealand).

In another tasty development, Great Journeys New Zealand are introducing a Scenic Plus Dining Experience where you get to savour the local flavours of the lands you travel through. Enjoy the exclusive dining and viewing carriages, relax, enjoy the journey and maybe toast your good fortune with a delicious drop of New Zealand wine, beer or cider. 

Engaging, friendly hosts enhance your Great Journeys New Zealand experience.

Engaging, friendly hosts enhance your Great Journeys New Zealand experience.

NZ SuperGold members Australian Seniors Card holders are eligible for a 10% discount on train journeys – just check the appropriate box when you book online (more info here).


Save at awesome accommodation close to the Great Rides

Dreaming of an Easter break or a school holiday getaway? Book now and enjoy great savings at participating Heritage, CityLife and Heritage Collection Hotels. Located on or near many of the Great Rides, Heritage's personality-packed, cycle-friendly properties are great places to prepare or wind down after a day of pedal powered exploration.

Find out more.

Stay in style at Heritage Queenstown – a great base for the Queenstown Trail.


Super stays at cycle-friendly holiday parks

Holiday parks are the perfect accommodation choice for bike-lovers and holidaymakers looking to hit the trails. They're close to all 23 Great Rides, with heaps of practice space for new cyclists, and set in beautiful surrounds. They're so much more than places to park your van or pitch a tent too, with a variety of high-quality accommodation – from comfy cabins through to stylish studios and luxury apartments.

Cycle Hub member parks make your biking holiday even easier by providing excellent advice on local rides as well as bike-cleaning facilities and secure parking, e-bike charging, and contacts for local mechanics, shuttles and tour operators. Some also have on-site bike hire.

Visit their website to find New Zealand's best holiday parks, and consider signing up for their fab newsletter, coming soon with captivating regional stories, offers, competitions, and tips and tricks for camping and campervanning from those in the know.

Creeksyde Queenstown Holiday Park – charming and cycle friendly.


Fully upgraded and FREE to download!

The only mobile app designed for our Great Rides the upgraded version has some fab new features such as bird calls, tree/plant IDs, and links to great trail stories. Find out more about the new version of the Great Rides App, and how it's created in this fascinating article.

Download the Great Rides App from:

 

The new-and-improved Great Rides App – easy to use and free to download!


The AA's 2023 new Cycling Must-Do's Guide!

The AA Traveller's 2022/23 Cycling Must Do’s guide features all 23 Great Rides, including the new Whakarewarewa Forest Loop Trail in Rotorua and Central Otago's Lake Dunstan Trail. There's also a selection of Heartland Rides that form part of Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails, including the Little River Rail Trail between Christchurch and Banks Peninsula. 

There's a new section on bikepacking, plus more fabulous photos, detailed maps, information on how to plan your cycling adventures, and what to do and see on and around the trails.

Pick-up this 144-page glossy, full-colour magazine-style guide from more than 500 outlets nationwide, including AA centres, i-SITEs and visitor information centres. Hard-copies can also be ordered online from the AA Shop (it's free, you just have to pay postage).

The guide can also be viewed online here.
 

The AA's 2022/23 Must-Do's Cycling Guide

The Must-Do's Cycling guide has useful info on all the Great Rides of New Zealand and more.

Save on accommodation & cycle tours

AA Members can save 10% on selected accommodation using the code AASAVE10 (T&Cs apply; find out more).

Members can also save 10% on selected guided cycling and hiking tours with Adventure South NZ, and 50% on e-bike hire. From cycle trails, e-biking and road cycling to mountain biking and hiking, these adventures are not to be missed (T&Cs apply; find out more).

Biking, e-biking and e-scooting AA members now have peace of mind if they find themselves in trouble on their rides. The AA have extended their Roadside Service and will come and rescue you! Find out more.
 


Sailing across Cook Strait for over 60 years!

Whether you're headed north or south, kick off your autumn road trips with the Interislander's seriously scenic cruise across Cook Strait! 

If you’re crossing Cook Strait on the ferry, be sure to book early, especially during the school holidays. The Interislander is very bike friendly, with no charge for bike racks on the back of your car. If you’re riding your bike onto the boat or taking it on as excess baggage, it’s just $15 extra; and it’s easy to check your bike in, roll it on to the ferry, and lock it up on the vehicle deck. Bike spaces are limited, so it's best to book in advance, just in case!

If you’re travelling without children, why not upgrade to one of our comfortable Premium Lounges, where all food and beverage, including beer, wine and a hot meal are provided. Families with children might like to hire a cabin with private facilities or keep the little ones entertained in the Family Area, or in one of our air-conditioned cinemas.

Check here for family, student and senior discounts.

Aratere ferry cruising through the Marlborough Sounds (Interislander).

The Aratere ferry cruising through the Marlborough Sounds (Interislander).